American National GovernmentPOLS 1101-92

CRN 21661Classroom Course

Spring 20146:00-7:15pm Monday

Peachtree City Classroom 118

COURSE SYLLABUS 3.0 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURSProfessor Sara Henderson SaraHenderson@mail.clayton.edu*The best way to contact me is via email.

Office Hours: Please send me an email to set up an appointment.

Desire2Learn (D2L) is a helpful online classroom site that will complement our in-class work. D2L can be accessed by logging into the SWAN Portal and clicking on the scholar icon. This action opens D2L and allow you to select the appropriate class section (POLS 1101 Spring 2014). The syllabus will be on the course home page. The syllabus found on D2L is the authoritative syllabus.

Required Texts: Dautrich and Yalof. Enduring Democracy. Clayton State University Custom Edition, Cengage. ISBN 1-2855-6116-3

Course Requirements:

The major form of communication between the instructor and the students outside of the classroom will be by CSU email. It is the student’s responsibility to check email frequently in order to receive class information and instructor messages. Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://www.clayton.edu/hub/itpchoice/notebookcomputerpolicy.

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**Computers will not be used during class. Students will be asked to put away their laptops at the beginning of each class session. **Computer Skill Prerequisites:

Ability to use the Windows operating system; Ability to use Microsoft Word; Ability to send and receive e-mail using Outlook or Outlook Express; Ability to attach and retrieve attached files via email; and Ability to use a Web browser.

Email Etiquette: Please email me directly at SaraHenderson@mail.clayton.edu if you have a question. Do not respond to Listserv messages that I send to the whole class. Use your CSU email address when contacting me as I can only open email from your official Clayton State email address.

D2L:You can log into D2L to access grades for tests and papers, the course syllabus, an annotated guide to the U.S. Constitution, and some helpful pointers to finding a local government meeting to attend for your political engagement project. Additionally, there are other useful items to involve each student in the learning process.

Course Outline: This class is an introductory level survey of the American political system in an international context, emphasizing a cross-cultural approach to the study of the structure and processes of policy decision-making. The course also includes the study of world geography, emphasizing knowledge of the global configuration of nation-states.

Disabilities:Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, (678) 466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu. Daily Brief: Current events will be discussed at the beginning of class. Read a major daily newspaper, or NEWSWEEK, TIME, or U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. Watch a daily national network news program on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS or CNN, and/or listen to NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO (6:00 - 9:00 a.m., and 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.) on WABE FM 90.1. The University provides free copies of the New York Times during the fall

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and spring semesters. There are multiple pick-up locations of the paper across the campus.

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Midterm Grades: The mid-term grade in this course reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, or withdraw on-line using the Swan by mid-term, which occurs on March 7th. Instructions for withdrawing are provided at this link.The last day to withdraw without academic accountability is Friday, March 7th, 2014.

Course Policies:

General Policy: Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

University Attendance Policy:Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Course Attendance Policy: Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority (please refer to assessment five of this syllabus for the attendance policy for this course).

Plagiarism/ Honor code:Cheating will not be tolerated in this course. Please familiarize yourself with the CSU’s honor code and rules at the following website: http://adminservices.clayton.edu/judicial/.

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism. All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the

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work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs. Judicial procedures are described beginning on page 14 of the Student Handbook (Procedures for Adjudicating Alleged Academic Conduct Infractions).

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Course plagiarism policy: If you are caught cheating on an exam that exam grade will be a zero. If you are found to have plagiarized a paper, you will receive a zero on that paper. If more than one of these events occurs, you will receive an F for the course and may face further discipline from the university.

Learning OutcomesOutcomes: Graduating political science majors should ·    Apply concepts related to the structures and principles of the U.S. Constitution to historical and current politics.·    Explain and criticize U.S. political institutions and processes.·    Demonstrate ability to understand and apply social sciences research methods. ·    Research and compose a Senior Thesis in a subfield of political science.·    Successfully complete a political science related internship. Assessments:·       POLS 1101 geography tests·       POLS 2101 pre and post-assessment surveys ·       POLS 4490/POLS 4491 Internship/Practicum Site Supervisor Evaluation·       POLS 3000 and 4000 level course research papers ·       POLS 4501 Senior Thesis ·       ACAT Area Concentration Achievement Test taken by graduating seniors

Course Outcomes:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution. 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. political institutions and political processes. 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Federalism. 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the Georgia Constitution and government. 

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international political system and the global location of countries.

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Assessment One Major Exams: (300 possible course points) There will be three examinations. They are comprised of multiple choice and true and false questions covering assigned materials from the textbook and class lectures. You will need to read all assigned chapters as 70-75 questions on each exam will be drawn from the text chapters. You are responsible for all of the text chapters assigned below even if we do not cover them in class. The remaining 25-30 questions will come from the class lectures. You will have the whole class period for examinations one and two, and two hours for the final examination. The final exam is not cumulative.

BRING A #2 PENCIL TO EACH EXAM.

Assessment Two Georgia Constitution & Government: (50 points) This reading assignment is included in the required course textbook. Sample examination study questions and an answer key are provided at the end of this syllabus. The assessment includes 50 questions covering the Georgia Constitution and government. They will be drawn from the sample questions below. You will take this test during the time allotted for the final exam in December. The material to study for this portion of the final is located on both the course syllabus and in the back of your textbook. This assessment will be included on your final.

Assessment ThreeGeography Tests: (100 possible course points) Students will be given three geography tests worth 35, 30 and 35 points respectively, or a possible total of 100 points altogether. Use the online atlas provided below to study for these tests. The three tests will be spaced out over the semester. The tests will be administered through Desire2Learn/GAView on the SWAN Portal. The blank study maps provided below are identical to the maps will be used for the exam. The countries of the world and the U.S. states will be numbered on the exam maps and you will be asked to identify a country or U.S. state through a choice of numbers. For example: Russia a) 35 b) 30 c) 45 d) 58.

Online World Atlas U Texas Maps Click on this link to access printable geography test study

maps. 

First Geography Test: 

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The first Geography test covers North, South, Central (Middle) America and two of the larger island nations of the Caribbean Sea - Cuba and the Dominican Republic only. Study maps showing the lower 48 U.S. states and the countries in the Western Hemisphere (No other states, no other nation's states, provinces, national capitals or geological formations are on the test.). There are a total of 70 items - each worth 1/2 point, with the test worth a possible 35 points.

Second Geography Test: The second geography test covers Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. There will be 60 nations on this test. Be able to locate the small, but significant nations of the Persian Gulf region. Each answer is worth 1/2 point (No national capitals, states, provinces or geological formations are on the test.). There are 60 items - each worth 1/2 point, with the test worth a possible 30 points.

Third Geography Test: The third geography test covers Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia. The test is worth 35 possible points, with 70 nations to identify for 1/2 point each (No national capitals, states, provinces or geological formations are on the test.)  Be able to locate Singapore and Brunei - both of which are relatively small and yet quite significant to the region's economy. There are a total of 70 items - each worth 1/2 point, with the test worth a possible 35 pts.

Assessment ThreePapers: (100 points) Each student will be required to submit a summary paper based upon the chapter reading you are to complete at home. We will have two reading assignments each week: the first of which we will discuss and have a lecture on (Monday’s class meeting) as well as a reading that will be assigned each Wednesday. The summary paper can be no longer than one (1) page and must follow the paper submission guidelines found below. These summaries will consist of the most important points of the chapter. Past students have found these chapter summaries useful when studying for their exams. Keep this in mind as you complete the assigned chapters each week.Students will be required to decipher the main points of each chapter in order to receive credit for the assignment. These summaries are worth a total of 100 points (10 points each). Summaries must be submitted by the due date on D2L as late papers will not be accepted.

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All chapter summaries submitted in this class should meet these formatting criteria: Double-spaced Times New Roman 12 pt. font Name, Date and chapter number (ex: Chapter Two) should be in the top left-hand section of the paper.

Writing AssistanceThe Writers’ Studio 224 is located in the A&S building, room 224.  There you can talk with trained writing tutors about your writing projects.  They are available to work with you at any stage of your paper, from generating ideas to organizing your paper to understanding how to format it correctly.  The service is free; you may drop in and wait for a tutor or sign up for a regular appointment.  But remember: you, not your tutor, are ultimately responsible for the quality and content of the papers you submit.http://www.clayton.edu/arts-sciences/english/writersstudio

Assessment Four Attendance (50 points): Attendance is important and will be taken each class meeting. A significant amount of test material will come from the notes that can only be obtained by attending class. Student who do not attend classes regularly are unlikely to do well on the exams. Each student is allowed two (1) excused absence (meaning absences that do NOT require documentation) before points will be deducted. After the first absence, the student is required to provide documentation for any further absences. If you miss class, it is your responsibility to contact another student to see what is missed. Do not ask the instructor "What did I miss today?" You should make a "buddy" in class that you can rely for notes if you must miss class.

Missed work and Make-up exam policy: Makeup exams: Students are allowed to miss one major exam or geography exam without any excuse, which can be taken as a makeup at the final exam. A second missed exam will be given zero (0) points. If you miss the final, the grade for the final will be reported as a zero. There are no make-ups for final exams. Chapter Summaries: All papers must be submitted on time for credit. It is wise to hand in your papers any time before the date/time they are due. If you wait until the last day, you run the risk of receiving no credit for your effort. Late papers will be given no credit. Summaries can and should be submitted in well in advance of the due date. Grammar and syntax are very important

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factors in the grading process. Each paper submitted will be reviewed based upon basic writing criteria. If you find yourself in need of help in these areas, please see me for information on tutoring options available to CSU students.

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Grading:

600 Total Points540 - 600 = A541 - 480 = B479 - 420 = C419 - 360 = D359 - 0 = F

Disruption of the Learning Environment:

Behavior that disrupts the teaching/ learning process during class activities will not be tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, examples that are more serious include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior. A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

Never have your computer on during class. If you come to class late, take the nearest seat by the door.Do not talk to each other during class. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR.Do not leave class to take a phone call. Do not leave class early. Notify me if you have to go early for an extremely important reason and leave without bothering others.Turn cell phones to the silent mode and put them and all other electronic devices such as I-pods, blackberries, etc. away. You will be asked to leave class if using these items. In general, all behavior that disrupts teaching and learning should be avoided. If you are found to be disrupting the class, I will ask you to leave immediately and you will not receive participation points for that day’s class.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is available here:  http://www.clayton.edu/Portals/5/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.pdf

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CSU Conduct Code and Judicial Procedures: The University Handbook is available online:  http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentaffairs/StudentHandbook/foreword.htm

Operation Study:At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for use in the University Bookstore) as well as other items.

Course Calendar:Note that this syllabus is subject to revision at the instructor’s discretion in order to facilitate the educational process.**Chapter numbers you are to have read for class are listed directly beneath the date of the assignment. **

Week 1: January 131/13: Introduction to course-Review of syllabus1/15: Online discussion- Check D2L for more informationWeek 2: January 201/20: NO CLASS- MLK HOLIDAY1/27: Introduction to American GovernmentText chapter 1– Submit summary via D2L; check site for more details*Be sure that you have a strong grasp of all of the Constitutional Amendments, the general topic of all seven articles of the Constitution as well as the people, books, and events that led to the creation of the U.S. Constitution.*Week 3: January 291/29: Founding of the U.S. RepublicText chapter 2 2/3: FederalismText chapter 3– Submit summary via D2L; check site for more detailsWeek 4: February 102/10: Civil LibertiesText chapter 4*Study Guide for Exam One sent via email*2/12: Civil RightsText chapter 5– Submit summary via D2L; check site for more details2/13: Geography Test One- SEE D2L FOR TESTWeek 5: February 172/17: Exam One: Bring #2 pencil.2/19: Political Parties

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Text chapter 13 - Submit summary via D2L; check site for more details Week 6: February 242/24: U.S. / Global Economy and Multiculturalism and ImmigrationNO TEXT CHAPTER2/26: Mass MediaText chapter 12 - Submit summary via D2L; check site for more details

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Week 7: March 33/3: Voting and ParticipationText chapter 143/5: Candidates and Campaign finance reformsText chapter 15 - Submit summary via D2L; check site for more details LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW AND RECEIVE A ‘W’ IS FRIDAY, MARCH 7THWeek 8: March 103/10-3/15: SPRING BREAK- NO CLASSWeek 9: March 173/17: Political Culture/Public OpinionText chapter 103/18: Interest GroupsText chapter 11 - Submit summary via D2L; check site for more details 3/20: Geography Test Two- SEE D2L FOR TEST INFOWeek 10: March 243/24: Exam Two: Bring a #2 pencil to class.3/26: The CourtsText chapter 9 - Submit summary via D2L; check site for more detailsWeek 11: April 74/7: The PresidencyText chapter 74/9: CongressText chapter 6 - Submit summary via D2L; check site for more detailsWeek 12: April 144/14: American Social/Domestic PolicyText chapter 154/16: Frontline: Ghosts of RwandaOnline discussion – please see D2L for more information 4/17- Geography Test Three- SEE D2L FOR TEST INFOWeek 13: April 214/21: Rwanda/Foreign PolicyText chapter 18 4/23: NO ASSIGNMENT DUE- Please study and prepare for your final exam.Week 14: November 184/28: Georgia Constitution and GovernmentRead “Georgia’s Constitution and Government,” a monograph by A. Fleischmann and C. Pierannunzi in the back of your textbook.*Final exam study guides sent out via student email account.*

Final Exam- Monday, May 5th at 6:00 pm

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Georgia Constitution & Government Study Questions

1. State and local governments today employ more people than the national government.

True – False

2.      The United States can best be described as a/an

__________________ system.

a. unitary b. federalist c. confederation

3.      Article ________ of the United States Constitution lists the

powers of Congress.

a. One b. Two c. Three d. Four

4.      Article _______ of the United States Constitution is the federal

supremacy clause.

a. One b. Three c. Five d. Six

5. The constitutions, laws and policies of the 50 states cannot

contradict the United States Constitution.

True - False

6.      The ______ amendment to the United States Constitution often is

called the "states’ rights" amendment.

a. 1st b. 5th c. 10th d. 12th

7.      The longest of the state constitutions in total words is the

__________ Constitution.

a. Alabama b. California c. Georgia d. Mississippi

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8.      Georgia has had ________ constitutions.

a. one b. four c. ten d. thirteen

9.      The United States Constitution has a Bill of Rights, but the

Georgia Constitution does not.

True – False

10. Both the United States Congress and the Georgia General

Assembly are bicameral.

True - False

11.  Both the United States Constitution and Georgia Constitution

permit judicial review.

True - False

12.  The United States Constitution has more articles than the Georgia

Constitution.

True – False

13.  Georgia voters must approve all amendments to the state

constitution.

True - False

14.  The Georgia Constitution requires the state to have a balanced

budget.

True - False

15.  The Governor of Georgia does not possess the power of the line-

item veto.

True – False

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16.  Georgia elects almost all its judges on a nonpartisan ballot.

True - False

17.  All legislators in Georgia (both House and Senate) serve two-year

terms.

True - False

18.  Georgia has a cabinet system like the executive branch of the

federal government.

True – False

19.  The Georgia Constitution limits the number of counties at

__________.

a. 89 b. 100 c. 123 d. 159 e. no

set number

20.  Georgia’s first constitution became effective in ________.

a. 1723 b. 1777 c. 1789 d. 1801

21.  The first Georgia constitution disestablished the Anglican Church.

True – False

22. The first Georgia constitution established a state supreme court.

True – False

23.  Georgia was the first state to ratify the United States

Constitution.

True – False

24.  In the second Georgia constitution slaves were counted for

representation purposes as _________ of a person.

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a. not counted at all b. ½ c. 3/5 d. one whole

25.  Georgia’s constitutions made no provision for public education

until the 20th century.

True – False

26.  At one point the Georgia legislature elected the governor.

True – False

27.  The main author of the Confederate Constitution was also the

author of the Georgia constitution under the confederacy.

True – False

28.  After the Civil War northern troops remained in Georgia until

_________.

a. 1865 b. 1868 c. 1876 d. 1899

29.  The county-unit system in Georgia tended to give

disproportionate strength to urban areas such as Atlanta.

True – False

30. In 1963 the United States Supreme Court declared the Georgia

county-unit system unconstitutional.

True - False

31.  The current Georgia constitution was implemented in _______.

a. 1945 b. 1961 c. 1983 d. 1994

32.  The Georgia Constitution can be amended in a two-step process.

The first step is the proposal of an amendment by 2/3’s of both houses

of the General Assembly.

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True - False

33.  The second step is ratification (approval) by 2/3’s of the

electorate voting on the proposed amendment.

True – False

34.  The Governor of Georgia can veto a constitutional amendment.

True – False

35.  In Georgia voters can get an issue on the ballot through the

initiative process.

True – False

36.  The majority of proposed amendments to the Georgia

Constitution are approved by the General Assembly.

True – False

37.  The presiding officer of the Georgia House of Representatives is

called the ______.

a. Chairperson b. Speaker c. Majority Leader

38.  The Leader of the Georgia Senate is _____________________.

a. chosen by the Senators in a vote b. the Leader of the

majority c. the Lt. Governor of the state d.

appointed by the Governor

39.  The Georgia General Assembly meets every other year.

True – False

40.  The Georgia General Assembly is limited to a ________ day session.

a. 20 b. 30 c. 40 d. 50

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41.  There are no age or residency requirements for election to the

Georgia General Assembly other than being a registered voter.

True – False

42.  The Governor may call the Georgia General Assembly into special

session.

True - False

43.  If the Georgia legislature wished to recognize the outstanding

accomplishments of an individual or an organization, the General

Assembly would pass a _______________ describing their achievements.

a. resolution b. statute c. law d. general motion

44.  Only members of the General Assembly may introduce legislation.

True - False

45.  The Georgia Constitution requires that legislation dealing with

public revenues be first introduced in the Senate, and then later in the

House.

True – False

46.  Bills in the Georgia General Assembly are constitutionally

restricted to one purpose.

 True - False

47.  The legislature may approve tax legislation by a simple majority

vote of both houses of the legislature.

True - False

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48.  A 2/3’s vote of both houses of the General Assembly is required to

override the Governor’s veto of legislation.

True – False

49. The Georgia Constitution requires the Governor to prepare the

state’s budget and submit it to the legislature.

True – False

50. Georgia voters elect more officials who serve in the Georgia

executive branch than is the case in the executive branch at the

federal level.

True - False

51. The Governor of Georgia can only serve two consecutive terms.

True - False

52.  Other statewide elected officials (e.g., Agriculture Commissioner,

Insurance Commissioner) are limited to two consecutive terms.

True – False

53. As with the federal government, Georgia’s fiscal year begins on

October 1st each year.

True – False

54. If a bill is passed by the General Assembly and the Governor takes

no action (i.e., neither signs nor vetoes it), the bill automatically dies.

True – False

55. The Georgia Governor may exercise power over college-level

education in the state by serving on the Board of Regents.

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True – False

56. In Georgia the __________________________ regulates telephone

services and utilities such as natural gas and electricity.

               a.   General Assembly b. Public Service

Commission

               c. Department of Transportation d. Attorney General

57. There are no constitutional qualifications to be a judge in Georgia.

True – False

58. Members of the Georgia Supreme Court, like the United States

Supreme Court, serve life terms.

True – False

59. Non-felony traffic violation cases (e.g., a speeding ticket) are tried

in Superior

Court.

True – False

60. The Georgia Supreme Court is required by the state constitution

to grant the request of a Georgia resident for an appeal of their

conviction in a Superior Court felony case.

True – False

Answer Key1. T2. B3. A4. D

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5. T6. C7. A8. C9. F10. T11. T12. F13. T14. T15. F16. T17. T18. F19. D20. B21. T22. F23. F24. C25. F26. T27. T28. C29. F30. T31. C32. T33. F34. F35. F36. T37. B38. C39. F40. C41. F42. T43. A44. T45. F46. T47. F48. T49. T50. T

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51. T52. F53. F54. F55. F56. B57. F58. F59. F60. F